Japanese Knife SharpeningIn this workshop, Eien will teach the basics of Japanese knife sharpening on water stones. Japanese knife culture is distinct in several ways - the blade is sharper and thinner, sharpening is done on stones, and all chefs sharpen their own knives to complement to their individual cutting style. With this introduction of a few techniques, everyone will be able to sharpen their own knives and feel the joy of cooking with a sharp blade. More info about Japanese knives is on my blog:https://www.eienhunterishikawa.com/blog/interview-jon-broida-knives

Natto DemonstrationEien will talk about natto, the fascinating, delicious, and nutritious fermented soybeans from Japan. The demo will include samples of fresh natto and offer ideas for traditional and non-traditional preparations. In Japan, natto is highly regarded as a ‘superfood’ with many health benefits including cardiovascular health, brain function, bone and teeth strength, and improved digestive system. Because all natto imported into the United States is frozen, this is a very rare opportunity to taste fresh, organic natto, whether you consider yourself a fan or not yet.

TATAKI brings two unique workshops each day in San Jose Japantown! The goal is to work on deeper collaboration between taiko and shamisen players. Kyle and Eien are composing a piece for this intensive, and participants are free to take it with them for their own use after the gathering.

Advanced Level: For regular practitioners of taiko and shamisen seeking to level up their abilities.

Beginner Level: To give regular shamisen and taiko players the opportunity to have fun trying the other instrument! Shamisen players can learn taiko basics, and taiko players can learn shamisen basics.

Regional Taiko Groups-Seattle (RTG-Seattle - our consortium of ten performing groups in the Seattle area) are happy to invite taiko players from throughout our region to RTG 2018, on Saturday-Sunday, August 11-12 at Shoercrest High School in Shoreline, WA (10 miles north of Seattle). Inochi Taiko's 15th Anniversary Concert will take place at Shorewood Performing Arts Center a few miles away, also in Shoreline, WA on the evening of Saturday, August 11.

Eien will talk about natto, the fascinating, delicious, and nutritious fermented soybeans from Japan. The demo will include samples of fresh natto and offer ideas for traditional and non-traditional preparations.

Taiko Tuesday is a FREE monthly concert series featuring the best of local and national taiko talent. Each concert will be unique and be hosted at various venues throughout St. Paul. Best of all, it is FREE! Bring your friends and family and make Taiko Tuesday your monthly concert night out!

Saturday, October 14th, 1:00-2:30PM$40 member/$50 non-memberA Modern Approach to Ji PlayingThis workshop is about playing the ji, or underlying groove. Topics include: useful patterns, time awareness, accompaniment, balance, interaction, sensitivity, and groove. Discussion and exercises will cover new ideas for practicing and thinking about ji playing.

Sunday, October 15th, 2:00-3:30PM$40 member/$50 non-memberEdo Kotobuki JishiCommonly translated as "lion dance," the shishi mai of Edo (the old name for Tokyo) consists of one person as the shishi and three accompanying musicians playing taiko, atarigane, and shinobue. Shishi mai performances are thought to bring good fortune and can often be seen at celebratory occasions. The version taught will be in the style of Wakayama Shachu.

Sunday, October 15th, 3:30-5:00PM$40 member/$50 non-memberAtarigane PlayingThis workshop will cover some effective techniques for playing the atarigane (hand-held gong). Topics include: exploration of various sounds, grooves, vocalizing patterns, notation, traditional rhythms, and new applications. Participants are welcome to bring their own, but practice kane will be provided for use during the workshop.